What can a Supplemental Needs Trust provide for a beneficiary?

There are many goods and services which can enhance and enrich the life of a SNT Beneficiary

The proper creation and maintenance of a Supplemental Needs Trust (a “SNT”) does not jeopardize the beneficiary’s eligibility for means-tested government benefits; such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.  The use and purpose of an SNT is to provide funds to the beneficiary for items which “supplement but do not supplant” any government benefits for which the beneficiary may eligible or which he/she may be receiving.  One of the main benefits of an SNT is to enhance the quality of life for a beneficiary by providing for the purchase of additional support, services, therapies and other items that are not covered by or provided adequately for by available government programs.   A non-exhaustive list of possible goods and services which a SNT can provide a beneficiary includes:

a)medical or dental expenses not covered by Medicaid or Medicare;

b) training, therapy, rehabilitation or education, including vocational training;

c) computers and other electronic, video and audio equipment;

d) transportation and travel, recreation and entertainment, including reasonable reimbursement of travel expenses of a medically necessary companion;

e) payment of any income tax liability of the beneficiary;

f) payment of fees of accountants, attorneys and other professionals;

g) payment of fees or expenses incurred by any advocate or advocacy organization;

h) private health care insurance (in order to provide for payment to professionals who would not accept governmental entitlements);

i) resident and out-patient rehabilitation and counseling services to the extent not paid for through government benefits; 

j) clothing;

k) Medicaid service coordination; 

l) professional care givers, including social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, household attendants, and aides:

m) fees and expenses of professionals (including Court costs) related to the interpretation of the SNT and the protection or enforcement of any rights afforded the beneficiary; and

o) costs to purchase, fuel or maintain an automobile used primarily for the beneficiary’s benefit.